Forty means it's time for a mammogram!

It’s been three months since my last blog post, almost four now.  It’s been four months since my last post.  A season has passed. Well, now I’m being dramatic. 

I turned 40.  4-0. It wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be when I was 25.  A moment of angst was felt as I had my first mammogram recently—or maybe that was discomfort as my boobies got squished. 

This is what 40 looks like on me.

How about “that” job?  Positioning breasts in machines and compressing them into painful pancakes! I asked the technician if much bothers or embarrasses her now.  She flashed me a smile as I quite literally peeled my breast off the machine.  The bonus of breastfeeding four children is that the tissue resembles the old ladies on Sponge Bob so they can handle a lot of smoosh.  UU

I was assured that I should get my results back in a week.  “Don’t be alarmed if you get called back for additional views.  It’s not uncommon when it’s your first.  There is nothing to compare the films against to know if what is seen is normal or not.”   Still, when you do get that voicemail to “call the radiologist’s office; we need to schedule additional views”, it can be a little unsettling to say the least.

Especially when you call back and the call drops—and a multitude of children are being children in your home (loud, boisterous, and energetic) and you finally make the appointment for tomorrow, and you try to keep calm because it’s not uncommon to get a call back.

Then when the pop up shelter falls apart in the backyard and your son decides to use a hammer to disassemble it instead of a wrench…I will be anxious for nothing!

Even when my children argue and call each other names adding to the chaos.  The older brother had to find ten verses in Poverbs explaining why our words are important; still I will be calm and rest in the truth: I can do all things with Christ who strengthens me.

Tomorrow came and my sweet neighbor popped over and I went to my appointment.  I remember before I left looking in the mirror and giving myself permission to freak out—to cry, to let it out.  My emotions were boiling over and they WANTED to burst out; but, there was a still calm that reminded me about my previous bout with pneumonia in January.  I was transferred to the ER from Urgent care and my blood pressure had shot up to 200+ over 100+. Then I was on a heart monitor and it said I missed a beat, twice. I spent almost two days in the ICU. Scary stuff on the outside, yet, on the inside, there was peace.  There was peace that no matter what happened, or where I would wake up, I KNEW Jesus had it covered, and that Truth ate up all the fear. 

I reminded myself in the mirror that since God handled that, He can handle this.  Even if x, y or z.  So—I chose not to let my emotions run me.  Happily, I managed to get all green lights on the way and even found a parking spot up front.  They did additional views on the right breast and an ultrasound on the left.   hs since my last blog post--well This time there was a lot more pressure. 

A radiologist was there to read the films and do the ultrasound.  I received the results right away: all was well on the right side—normal breast tissue.  The ultrasound revealed a tiny cluster of cysts—completely normal.  “Make sure you come back in a year for your screening,” and out the door I went. 

Talk about relief and joy!  I’m so glad I didn’t give in and indulge in that cry.  Praise God for the Peace that surpasses all understanding, and Praise Jesus for my husband and group of girlfriends who prayed me through.

Get your boobies smooshed when it’s time. Don’t be afraid of the “what if’s”. 

Know Jesus—Know Peace

 

You Are My Sunshine...

My six year old took me to school.  It started with new shoes.  I couldn’t find any cute Velcro shoes so it was on to the dreaded tie shoes.  Ugh.  The shoes that cause time to stand still as we bend over and retie them 20 times a day.  Anyway…we found a super cute pair and I told her she’d have to learn how to tie them. 

Confession: I (let her) lied that she learned how in kindergarten (Sorry Ms. Burt).  She really wanted the shoe charm..(Enabler)

So, when it was time to learn..she tried and tried and kept trying.  Wouldn’t you know, she eventually got the hang of it?  I told her “good job honey.   I’m so proud you didn’t give up”.  To which she replied, “If I would have given up, I wouldn’t have reached my goal.”  

Boom!  It’s so simple my six year old got it; I hope some of her determination came from me.  I won’t take too much credit though, how many times have I given in to the siren song of the thin mint cookies? 

She’s had lots of milestones lately.  She lost her front teeth, we had our first mommy/daughter shopping trip, she got glasses  and don’t forget those shoelaces!

I think it’s good to have milestones.  Homeownership, children and jobs are some.   While my goals aren’t as tangible as someone who works outside of the home, I do try to expand my culinary skills. Eventually, someday, I’d like very much to cook for people as a profession.  What that will look like, I’m still not sure. 

I made a new cake roll.  For those new to my blog, fall time brings out my pumpkin rolls.  They are moist, delicate pumpkin spice cake rolled up with homemade cream cheese filling.  I’ve also come to make red velvet, chocolate and now a lemon flavored one. 

Lemon curd had previously intimidated me; but, I like to try new things and thought I’d give it a shot. Don’t give up, remember? I first used lemon curd on a cheesecake I entered in a dessert contest.  I took home second place for it.  Anyway… I made it again for this cake roll.  It was a vanilla cake, lemon curd, and a whipped cream-cream cheese filling.  Yum!

The lemon curd recipe is super easy. 

Lemon Curd

      ·         ¾ cups fresh lemon juice
      ·         ¾ white sugar
      ·         1 tbsp lemon zest
      ·         3 eggs
      ·         1 stick or ½ cup butter

Put all the ingredients in a heavy bottomed sauce pan and on medium heat keep stirring until it thickens.  Use a wisk and don’t stop stirring.  I strained it when I transferred it to a container to cool.  I lost the lemon zest, but it also strained out some eggy globs (keep stirring so you don’t get a lot of eggy globs).

Place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the top to keep a skin from developing and put it in the fridge to cool and set. 

Serve it as is and you’ve got lemon pudding. Add it to the top of cheesecakes for a showstopper dessert.

School's back in session! Mommy can have a moment to herself!!! So she made soup.



1st and 3rd grade!

 I saw a lonely yellow leaf falling through the air and all around the edges of the landscape, autumn is creeping in.  I love fall.  It is my favorite season.  I think it's the relief from summers energy.  It's a time to slow down and get ready for the slow crawl of winter. 


6th Grade!

Not that there is much of a slow crawl at the Barz house.  Winter means basketball.  Natalie is going to begin to play and Lucas will be in his second season. 
Speaking of the kiddos, school started last week.  It's hard to believe that I have a Sophomore now.  Oh, and a 6th grader, 3rd grader and 1st grader. Everyone has been adjusting ok to getting back on schedule, even me. 


10th grade!

I love getting my space back.  Don't get me wrong, I love my sweeties and the summer sweeties I get; however, I also learned last year, when Natalie started kindergarten, that I also love to be alone....and to have the freedom to go to lunch or grocery shop with out the million "MOM, Can I's.." thrown my way. 
"What does that have to do with food?" you ask.  (You know you were here for the food.  I show up for food.) I'm so glad you asked.  I now have time to try out new recipes.  To move around in my kitchen with out little bodies tripping me up is a beautiful thing.  My dog, Jett, more than makes up for the space the kids leave. 
So, I tried a recipe I had written down last year.  Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.  I tweaked it a little and voilà! A delicious soup that is an interesting twist on plain ole' chicken noodle soup.  (Sorry chicken noodle soup, we still love you when we're sick and needy.)
I wish I would've taken pictures of the different steps.  Please use your imagination when thinking about diced celery and onions. 

Lemony Chicken and Orzo Soup




Lemony Chicken and Orzo Soup

Ingredients:
1.5# chicken breast or thighs, you can keep them whole and then shred them before serving.
3 cloves of garlic, smashed and minced
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 bay leaves
6 cups chicken stock (maybe 7..)
juice of 1 lemon...2-3 tbsp.
3/4 c uncooked orzo pasta
1 can of cannellini beans..(I have been craving beans).
1/2 c white wine, or white zinfandel..which ever you drink.  I had white zin. so that's what I used
salt n pepper to taste
2 tsp fresh chopped parsley, I had cilantro..that's what I used and it turned out great. 

Whenever possible, go for the fresh herbs.  They make a difference.  It really tastes "fresher".

All right...you've got your ingredients. Let's do this!

In a little extra virgin olive oil, brown the chicken.  Make sure you salt and pepper it before you put it in the oil.  We're building flavor.
After it browns on both side, remove from pan and add the veggies (not the herbs yet). Soften them. Talk sweetly to them.  Maybe say a prayer over the food (not joking on this) that those that eat it are blessed.  That's putting LOVE in the food.

When the veggies are soft, add the wine.  I know in real life...it's ususally wine, then sweet talk..but, they're veggies, it's ok. Give it a stir to scrape up the yummy bits in the bottom of the pan. 



Lucas, Jett and Skye snuggling.

Now, put the chicken back., toss in the herbs. Add the broth.
Add in your beans and lemon juice.  Put the lid on and let it simmer away for at least 30 min, then
fish out the chicken, chop it up then put it back in the pot.
Add the orzo and put the lid back on.  Simmer for 15 more min. or until the orzo is tender.  Add more broth if it's too thick.  Taste to see if you need more salt and pepper. 

When you serve it, sprinkle on the parsley. 

I served it with homemade whole wheat rolls and salad.  Even though it was 91 outside, it didn't feel "too hot to eat soup." (Who gets that?) The lemon and herbs brighten it up.

I hope you enjoy it. 

Blessings to you and your families.